Terminology

 

 

 

CURSILLO
Cursillo is a "movement of the Catholic Church that, with its own method, makes it possible to live what is fundamental for being a Christian.." The method helps to create communities of Christians who are interested in bringing the Good News to their environments as they grow and become authentic Christians themselves. This goal is accomplished by the Cursillo method of fostering holiness, formation, and evangelization (formerly piety, study, and action) through the various groups and structures of the movement. Let's take a closer look at these groups and structures to understand how each one does its part to achieve this goal.

Cursillista:

One who has gone through the Cursillo course and uses the Cursillo method.  Once you make your weekend you are a Cursillista for life.

 

Palanca:

The prayer and sacrifices which are offered to God to obtain something. Palanca should accompany all evangelizing efforts. The word 'Palanca' is a Spanish word meaning 'lever. ' Just as a lever allows a person to move things which are beyond his/her strength, prayer and sacrifice allow an apostle to accomplish more than he/she would be capable of achieving.

 

SECRETARIAT
The purpose of the secretariat is to develop and carry out a pastoral plan for the movement, and oversee the Cursillo structures in order implement the three phases which are ... pre-cursillo, cursillo weekend, and post-cursillo. The pastoral plan is under the direction of the local bishop and must be faithful to the essence, purpose, and method of the movement.

SCHOOL OF LEADERS
The purpose of School of Leaders is to empower Cursillistas who will then be better prepared to serve the movement, nourish and enliven their 4th day community. The School of Leaders also provides valuable input to the Secretariat through focus groups that support the three phases of Cursillo. Finally, the School sets the Culture of the Diocesan Movement, motivates the Weekend Teams, forms the Secretariat and develops the Spirituality of Cursillo.

GROUP REUNIONS
There are several forms of Group Reunions that support the Cursillistas in both their personal Christian life and the focused activities that reach beyond the Cursillo Community.